AI in the Workplace: Preparing for the Future of Work in 2025

AI at the Service of Employees’ Wellbeing

AI is not only a back-office tool anymore, it’s critical now in monitoring the sentiment and well-being of staff. By using AI-driven platforms, repetitive tasks can be automated, early signs of burnout can be identified and leaders can step in before problems snowball, driving both recruitment and retention in the accounting and professional services industry, reports Thomson Reuters.

The ABS has also found that Australian workers cherish the importance of flexible working and wellbeing.

Quick Tips:

• Leverage AI-powered tools to monitor employee sentiment and stress.

• Respond to feedback to tailor HR policies and keep hold of talent.

• Keep abreast of new AI solutions for accounting and HR.

Diversity & Inclusion: Crucial to Business Success

Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords — they are known drivers of company performance. Studies from Future Leadership and global reports demonstrate that diverse teams are more innovative and resilient, and that inclusive organisations are 10 times more likely to be highly effective and 4 times more innovative.

Checklist:

• Review your DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) policies.

• Leaders have to be trained in inclusive management and emotional intelligence.

• Encouraging transparent communication and honest conversation between children and caregivers.

Flexibility & Purpose: The New Workplace Dealbreakers

Work from home Flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have. Accountants Daily reported that almost 60 per cent of accountants would walk away from their role if flexible working was taken away. Models such as a four-day work week and hybrid schedules are picking up steam, as is the value of purpose-driven work.

Volunteering for pay is also growing. Some companies like Atlassian offer 40 hours paid volunteer days this fosters morale, confidence and upskilling. Analysis of the ABS General Social Survey indicates workers who volunteer are more likely than non-volunteers to report high job satisfaction and high-level community contribution.

Checklist:

• Offer or market paid volunteer leave.

• Experiment with flexible types of work models (4-day week, hybrid).

• Articulate your organization’s mission and effect.

ESG: Transparency and Stakeholder Expectations

There is now a demand from investors and regulators for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting. ESG leaders have better trust and outperformance over the long term (ABS Business Indicators and international research).

Checklist:

• Keep informed about new ESG reporting rules.

• Incorporate ESG metrics into business and client reviews.

• Share progress openly with the stakeholders.

Emotional Intelligence: The Leadership Superpower

EI and Leadership Today, leadership cannot afford to be without EI. The better decision you make, the stronger the relationships you build, and the greater resistance you will have.

Quick Actions:

• Regularly check in on yourself and your team.

• Learn to empathize and be an active listener.

• Contemplate choices and responses to develop awareness of self.

Trending Now

• AI in accounting and HR

• Audit reform and compliance

• Flexible work and four-days-off weeks

• ESG and transparency

• Well-being and Inclusion of Employees

• Purpose-driven work

Related Resources

• Tax Services & Updates

• Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Building Business Resilience

Your Turn!

How is your organisation embracing AI, flexibility, purpose, or emotional intelligence?

We’d love to hear your experience or questions.
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